So now Jay Cutler is mad as hell and sure looks like he's not going to take it in Denver anymore. Great. Almost makes you wish the Broncos never disposed of Jake Plummer, huh?

Well, it does me. If ever there was a quarterback done wrong it was poor Jake. He didn't throw the tightest spiral. He took too many chances. And he threw unnecessary interceptions. He was booed at home, booed on the road and shredded weekly by the hometown media for his flaws. In short, he was embraced like the Avian flu.

So what's to like? This: He was 40-18 as a starter. All the guy did was win.

He took the Broncos to the playoffs in 2003. He did it again in 2004. He had them in the 2005 AFC Championship Game. Yet he was gone two seasons later, shuffled off to Tampa Bay to make way for Cutler, the second coming of John Elway. Only, he's not. He's not even the second coming of Jake Plummer, and, no, I don't care that he throws a fast ball like Randy Johnson or that his right arm can launch space shuttles.

I want someone who can win, and Jay Cutler is 17-20 as a starter, failing to reach the playoffs in his NFL career. Plummer not only got there three of his four seasons in Denver, he took the Cardinals to the playoffs in 1998, their first appearance in a non-strike year in over two decades.

Denver never had a losing season under Plummer. It hasn't had a winning season under Cutler. Draw your own conclusions. I have, and they go something like this: Plummer knew how to win; Cutler knows how to throw a pretty pass. I know which I'd rather have.

When the Broncos drafted Cutler they were coming off a 13-3 season where they beat New England and were one win from the Super Bowl. But after losing to Pittsburgh in the conference championship game, coach Mike Shanahan decided he could go no deeper into the playoffs with Plummer. So he traded up for Cutler.

For Plummer, the message was clear: His get-out-of-Denver ticket had just been punched, and Cutler would succeed him in no more than a year. Anything short of the Super Bowl wouldn't matter for Plummer, who could take his 40-18 record somewhere else and watch what could have been.

Plummer didn't sulk. He didn't demand to be traded. He didn't threaten to move. And he never asked to meet with his head coach or demand an explanation.

"Jay is going to be a hell of a player," Plummer told me that summer, "but, hopefully, when his time is right. Until that time I'm going to be the one taking the snaps.

"Fans always like change. I understand that. It's almost like having an old girlfriend. You always think the pasture may be greener on the other side. But until Jay is ready they're going to have to deal with me."

Now that's what I want to hear from my quarterback. Don't tell me your feelings are hurt. Don't go running to your realtor. And don't mention the name Matt Cassel because if you're more concerned about what is beyond your control -- and, contrary to what he might think, Jay Cutler is not running this show -- you're doomed as a quarterback.

Of course, Jay Cutler is not doomed. He has a long career ahead of him, and he has a world of talent. What he doesn't have is the guts of Jake Plummer, and too bad. He could learn something from his predecessor. In fact, the more I hear Cutler whine the more I'm convinced Denver owes Plummer an apology.

He didn't score many style points while he was there; he just won. For some reason, that wasn't enough. So he was sliced, diced and spliced by his critics. Cutler, on the other hand, is cut a break ... and for what? He took over his rookie season when the Broncos were 7-4 and lost three of five starts. No problem there. Rookie quarterbacks struggle. But then he was 7-9 in his second season and 8-8 in his third. Worse, the Broncos positively self-destructed last year, blowing a three-game lead with three weeks to go.

Yeah, I know, it wasn't Cutler's fault. It might have helped if Denver had a running back who could stay in the lineup for three weeks or a defense that didn't leak like the Titanic. But all the Broncos had to do was win one freakin' game in three tries, and they couldn't pull it off. Blame the defense all you want, but look what Cutler did down the stretch: Nothing.

In his last three games he had two touchdown passes and four interceptions. Worse, he lost to Buffalo at home on the next to last weekend of the season. I don't want to hear how he threw for 359 yards or 316 the next weekend against San Diego. He didn't win. Period. End of story.

So his defense stunk. Kurt Warner's defense in Arizona wasn't all that great, either. And the Cardinals' running game was worse than Denver's. In fact, it was worse than everyone. But Arizona pulled the mother of all upsets by winning the NFC and coming within 45 seconds of knocking off Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLIII. Warner overcame the club's shortcomings because that is what good quarterbacks are supposed to do.

Cutler is acknowledged as one of the game's top young quarterbacks, yet he can't overcome much of anything. And that is a problem. He can complain about Philip Rivers, but I know which one I'd trust in the clutch -- and it's not Cutler. He can complain about his new head coach, too, but this just in, Jay: Josh McDaniels didn't draft you; Mike Shanahan did. And while I don't agree with how this was handled -- or mishandled -- it is a reminder to Cutler to wake up and realize the NFL is a business.

It is also evidence that Cutler might not be the quarterback we thought he was. So he lives in the shadow of Elway. Big deal. So did Jake Plummer. In fact, Plummer was closer to the Elway era than Cutler, so the contrasts were more apparent. He didn't throw like Elway, but he did find a way to win -- and isn't that how we measure our quarterbacks?

When, at last, Plummer was dismissed by the Broncos, he didn't cry or rant about the decision. He simply retired, exiled by a team and a city that didn't appreciate him.

Cutler was supposed to be an improvement on Plummer, but while he has the measureables -- the size, the big arm, the accuracy -- he's as short on the intangibles as he is on victories. The guy needs to toughen up and drop his woe-is-me mantra. If he can't get over what happened here, how does he demonstrate to teammates that he is resilient; that he is someone they can trust when their world is crumbling? And how does he prove he can shut out everything around him on the field when he can shut nothing out now? More to the point, how does he prove he can beat San Diego without the help of referee Ed Hochuli?

Maybe he can't. Maybe we should face facts and realize that while he's no John Elway he may be no Jake Plummer, either.

BigRock

03-16-2009, 11:56 PM

Saying "you're no Jake Plummer" is like the written equivalent of this:

http://i44.tinypic.com/qzf9c9.gif

Hammock Parties

03-16-2009, 11:59 PM

Mostly he wrote a bunch of bullshit.

Plummer was 40-18 because Denver actually had a defense when he was the QB.

Just Passin' By

03-17-2009, 12:05 AM

Mostly he wrote a bunch of bullshit.

Plummer was 40-18 because Denver actually had a defense when he was the QB.

That defense must have had a collective death the moment Cutler took over, then.

BigRock

03-17-2009, 12:08 AM

Mostly he wrote a bunch of bullshit.

The stuff about Plummer not reacting like a bitch when Cutler was drafted to replace him is more relevant than anything about defense.

crazycoffey

03-17-2009, 12:11 AM

That defense must have had a collective death the moment Cutler took over, then.

Zing...

Hammock Parties

03-17-2009, 12:15 AM

That defense must have had a collective death the moment Cutler took over, then.

It pretty much did. Firing Coyer was a retarded move.

Cormac

03-17-2009, 12:51 AM

Ripping Cutler is fun. But saying "he was no Jake Plummer" is insulting to anybody. Truthfully, IMO, they both suck.

Claysexual

03-17-2009, 01:09 AM

He's not even the second coming of Jake Plummer, and, no, I don't care that he throws a fast ball like Randy Johnson or that his right arm can launch space shuttles.

You arm chair, arm-lovers will HEED this message, damn you!!!:cuss:

Taco John

03-17-2009, 01:58 AM

I thought he dropped an atom bomb on his own credibility.

Plummer is playing handball in Sandpoint, Idaho.

skky man

03-17-2009, 03:24 AM

Plummers succsess was fueled by running the boot on the chiefs. UGGGG! It pains me to remember!

Plummer: "Coach what's the game plan this week"

Mike: "run the boot 45 times"

Plummer: "Sweet"

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 04:42 AM

That defense must have had a collective death the moment Cutler took over, then.

Funny... it's definitely a reach to compare the two. Just look at the defensive rankings.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/den/

Look at the Defensive Rankings for Points and Yards in the Plummer and Culter eras. They Ranked 9, 9, 3 and 8 in DEFENSE (points allowed) under Plummer, then 28 and 30 with Cutler.

Wild dropoff and it was similar in yards.

Again, Jay has issues... but for guys like Judge to give all the blame to Jay is insane.

mikey23545

03-17-2009, 05:50 AM

I thought he dropped an atom bomb on his own credibility.

Plummer is playing handball in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Yeah, and I bet he's better at that than Cutler as well...

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 05:57 AM

Yeah, and I bet he's better at that than Cutler as well...

So, you think Plummer is better than Cutler? Wow... I like how people look back on things years later. All i remember from you guys and the media back in the seasons of 10, 10 and 13 wins with Jake in Denver is how it was more about a great rushing game and top 10-12 defense.

So, you think Plummer is better than Cutler? Wow... I like how people look back on things years later. All i remember from you guys and the media back in the seasons of 10, 10 and 13 wins with Jake in Denver is how it was more about a great rushing game and top 10-12 defense.

Now, it's more Jake... gotta love it.

The one thing Jake has that Jay will never have is the it or x factor especially at the end of games. That is why alot of people compared him to Montana when he first came out. Jake had the mentality of a QB Jay has the mentality of a 2 year old who lost his pacifier.

PRIEST

03-17-2009, 06:31 AM

The one thing Jake has that Jay will never have is the it or x factor especially at the end of games. That is why alot of people compared him to Montana when he first came out. Jake had the mentality of a QB Jay has the mentality of a 2 year old who lost his pacifier.

This

WOW this off season is sooooooooooo much fun :D

Anyong Bluth

03-17-2009, 06:41 AM

From "Golden Boy" to Golden Shower. Cuntler, FTL!!11!! I feel a lot better having Cassel. Maybe he doesn't pan out.. NO ONE on here knows for sure, but what we do know is that a number of teams coveted the opportunity to acquire him, and our GM's silence and quick action snagged him for a bargain compared to what other teams were willing to offer. Still think all the secrecy with the new front office is bad? If word leaked sooner, and other teams found out, we probably don't get him for only a 2nd. In contrast, leaks in Denver led directly to they're QBitch'ing situation- not to mention, they had Mr. rocket-arm, and were still one of the teams flirting with the idea of going after Matt 'only a backup' Cassel. This is why you pay for a real GM. Like I said, even if Cassel never pans out, destroying a division rivals probowl QB, that would have been around for at least another decade, is totally worth a 2nd. Dare I say the words Chiefs and shrewd being used in the same sentence is justifiable.
Posted via Mobile Device

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 07:16 AM

The one thing Jake has that Jay will never have is the it or x factor especially at the end of games. That is why alot of people compared him to Montana when he first came out. Jake had the mentality of a QB Jay has the mentality of a 2 year old who lost his pacifier.

Ahhh... I forgot about Jake's "it factor" at the end of games. That's why everyone warmly embraced him. Jake finally started winning when a team was built around him, he didn't always have that in AZ.

But, it's fun to read the stories of great Jake from you guys now. ;)

Chiefnj2

03-17-2009, 07:20 AM

I wonder if Cutler refused an interview with Judge. That's a bad article. That's like blaming Roaf, Shields, Green and Holmes for KC's failure to make the playoffs during Vermeil's years.

SBK

03-17-2009, 07:22 AM

I think we can all agree Cutler has a bigger pussy.

Iowanian

03-17-2009, 07:24 AM

I don't think its fair to put this downturn completely on corky Cutler, I mean, I take satisfaction in knowing its a complete TEAM-SUCK in Denver.

The Chiefs were a peewee league runner up last year and even THEY beat the almighty Cutler and Donk show.

Chiefnj2

03-17-2009, 07:24 AM

I think we can all agree Cutler has a bigger pussy.

Cutler could give birth to twins faster than Jenna Jameson.

Iowanian

03-17-2009, 07:26 AM

I'm not saying that Cutler is a huge pussy, but Emmanuel Lewis just scissor kicked him in the head and all he did was tuck his head in his own ass like a human armadillo.

dirk digler

03-17-2009, 07:31 AM

Ahhh... I forgot about Jake's "it factor" at the end of games. That's why everyone warmly embraced him. Jake finally started winning when a team was built around him, he didn't always have that in AZ.

But, it's fun to read the stories of great Jake from you guys now. ;)

I never said Jake was great just that he had that QB moxy. Also Jake took the really shitty Cardinals to the playoffs in his second year something that Jay never did with a much better team in the Broncos.

Just saying...

Hammock Parties

03-17-2009, 07:31 AM

Between this and supporting Carl Peterson for years, it's not hard to be amused by Clark Judge.

Dartgod

03-17-2009, 07:55 AM

Ahhh... I forgot about Jake's "it factor" at the end of games. That's why everyone warmly embraced him. Jake finally started winning when a team was built around him, he didn't always have that in AZ.

But, it's fun to read the stories of great Jake from you guys now. ;)
Yeah, I don't get it. Jake had a knack for doing stupid shit to lose games. Like throwing left-handed interceptions out of his own end zone.

I never said Jake was great just that he had that QB moxy. Also Jake took the really shitty Cardinals to the playoffs in his second year something that Jay never did with a much better team in the Broncos.

Just saying...

Jake certainly had moxy, I liked that about him. Well, we can compare these 2 forever if you like... and compare the playoff team that Jake had to last year's Broncos, but not sure what that proves. Jay has a nice future, but the team hasn't delivered, so he takes the hit. I get it.

If the Denver defense hadn't crapped their pants against SD in the final week (52 points)... Jay would have a playoff appearance. He's not without fault, but they gave up 112 points in the final 3 games... down the stretch, they lost at home to the Raiders and Bills - just sad. Jay has his share of the blame, but not all of it.

Hammock Parties

03-17-2009, 08:01 AM

Yeah, I don't get it. Jake had a knack for doing stupid shit to lose games. Like throwing left-handed interceptions inside the red zone.

Jake certainly had moxy, I liked that about him. Well, we can compare these 2 forever if you like... and compare the playoff team that Jake had to last year's Broncos, but not sure what that proves. Jay has a nice future, but the team hasn't delivered, so he takes the hit. I get it.

If the Denver defense hadn't crapped their pants against SD in the final week (52 points)... Jay would have a playoff appearance. He's not without fault, but they gave up 112 points in the final 3 games... down the stretch, they lost at home to the Raiders and Bills - just sad. Jay has his share of the blame, but not all of it.

Cutler's problem is that she's letting her agent and her vagina do the talking. Plummer and Griese had the misfortune of following Elway and his walk-off Super Bowls, so "good enough" wasn't good enough. Cutler gets a pass because she can throw the ball far, but what good is that if she's going to have Midol moments everytime things don't go her way?

Dartgod

03-17-2009, 08:08 AM

Hahaha! I'm gonna throw this on youtube for you! ROFL
One of your better efforts. Let me know when it is posted and I'll edit my post to link the video.

Garcia Bronco

03-17-2009, 08:11 AM

The stuff about Plummer not reacting like a bitch when Cutler was drafted to replace him is more relevant than anything about defense.

Huh? Plummer slammed his brakes on the highway causing an accident and then got into an pissing match with the other drive on the interstate 2 minutes after Cutler was drafted.

dirk digler

03-17-2009, 08:16 AM

Jake certainly had moxy, I liked that about him. Well, we can compare these 2 forever if you like... and compare the playoff team that Jake had to last year's Broncos, but not sure what that proves. Jay has a nice future, but the team hasn't delivered, so he takes the hit. I get it.

If the Denver defense hadn't crapped their pants against SD in the final week (52 points)... Jay would have a playoff appearance. He's not without fault, but they gave up 112 points in the final 3 games... down the stretch, they lost at home to the Raiders and Bills - just sad. Jay has his share of the blame, but not all of it.

That's fair I am just curious if playing in John Elway's shadow is too much pressure for any QB in Denver.

They all seem to lose their minds at some point.

Dr. Johnny Fever

03-17-2009, 08:18 AM

That's one the best articles I ever read. Pure enjoyment.

Garcia Bronco

03-17-2009, 08:25 AM

That's one the best articles I ever read. Pure enjoyment.

The phone cops are on their way to your house.

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 08:31 AM

That's fair I am just curious if playing in John Elway's shadow is too much pressure for any QB in Denver.

They all seem to lose their minds at some point.

I'm sure it has to suck and personally, I think enough time has passed that it shouldn't be as big of a mental thing as it once was. I don't believe this issue has anything to do with the shadow.

Brock

03-17-2009, 08:40 AM

I'm sure it has to suck and personally, I think enough time has passed that it shouldn't be as big of a mental thing as it once was. I don't believe this issue has anything to do with the shadow.

Not from Jake Utler's viewpoint, but the fans and probably the media will always compare any QB to Elway.

DaFace

03-17-2009, 08:51 AM

Funny article, but it's just silly to insinuate that Plummer was a better QB than Cutler.

Cutler want's out of Dungver, his stock is dropping.. Interesting who picks him up and for what #2/#3? Performance incentive pick....

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 09:12 AM

Not from Jake Utler's viewpoint, but the fans and probably the media will always compare any QB to Elway.

I think that's to be expected... hell, many KC fans still cling on to the Montana years. It's going to happen when one of the truly great QBs of all time played for a certain team.

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 09:13 AM

Cutler want's out of Dungver, his stock is dropping.. Interesting who picks him up and for what #2/#3? Performance incentive pick....

Some act as if they couldn't trade him straight up for a punter... that's just crazy. It's QB driven league, Jay is young with huge upside... there are 6-7 teams that would pay a nice price to have him. Whether or not something is offered that they like is the big question. But, a #2 or 3... c'mon.

Jake Plummer literally took his ball and went home when he was traded to Tampa. Plummer was just as big of baby as Cutler is.

Al Bundy

03-17-2009, 09:30 AM

Some act as if they couldn't trade him straight up for a punter... that's just crazy. It's QB driven league, Jay is young with huge upside... there are 6-7 teams that would pay a nice price to have him. Whether or not something is offered that they like is the big question. But, a #2 or 3... c'mon.

The going rate was a 1st, a 2nd and a 2nd that could escalate into a 1st next year (That's what Jeff George was worth).

StcChief

03-17-2009, 09:34 AM

Some act as if they couldn't trade him straight up for a punter... that's just crazy. It's QB driven league, Jay is young with huge upside... there are 6-7 teams that would pay a nice price to have him. Whether or not something is offered that they like is the big question. But, a #2 or 3... c'mon. Where are the Cutler suitor's wanting to give 2009 #1/#2 pick then, and or a conditional 2010 pick.....

I think there should be a standing rule that if you show up to camp with a cop mustache, you're automatically cut.

If you draft a cop mustache, you lose your franchise.

Donger

03-17-2009, 09:51 AM

Denver smells like feces this morning. At first I figured it was due to having a northerly wind and we were smelling Wyoming. I guess it is actually Broncos fans crapping themselves.

tboss27

03-17-2009, 10:11 AM

Plummers succsess was fueled by running the boot on the chiefs. UGGGG! It pains me to remember!

Plummer: "Coach what's the game plan this week"

Mike: "run the boot 45 times"

Plummer: "Sweet"

So true. And after Denver started using it every other play the rest of the league caught on to the fact that Tamba ends up on a right handed QB's blind side anytime you run the boot against us. It was a first down every time the first two years he played LE.

We'll consider it, but he'll be going right back out the door as fast we brought him in. We have absolutely no faith in that little douche nozzle, but with Pioli working his voodoo, we can keep your 1st and send Gay Butler down the road.

To Detroit, Tampa, or Minnesota.

Don't call us; we'll call you.

beach tribe

03-17-2009, 10:42 AM

Ouch.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/11510371

This sounds like it was written by a bitter fan coming to the terms with the fact that Cutler is gone. I can't wait till all of the Donkey fans start saying that he sucks.
Awesome article.:D

vailpass

03-17-2009, 10:56 AM

All of this and the Broncos will still be a better team than the Chiefs this year.
Kinda' crazy isn't it?

Claysexual

03-17-2009, 11:21 AM

All of this makes my vagina sandy because the Broncos will be getting their asses pounded and pureed by the Chiefs for the next 15 to 20 years.
Can I go weep like a little British school girl now?

:deevee:

DaWolf

03-17-2009, 12:31 PM

I don't disagree with a word in that article...

King_Chief_Fan

03-17-2009, 12:35 PM

<EMBED src=http://www.youtube.com/v/c8qayuDrrPA&hl=en&fs=1&ap=%2526fmt%3D18 width=480 height=295 type=application/x-shockwave-flash allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always"></EMBED>
This is something I never thought I would say to GoChiefs....but, he is brilliant....great workROFL

That one is a personal favorite of mine. I'd sure love to steal Royal though; he and Flowers were team mates at VT.

DTLB58

03-17-2009, 07:34 PM

Cutler was supposed to be an improvement on Plummer, but while he has the measureables -- the size, the big arm, the accuracy -- he's as short on the intangibles as he is on victories. The guy needs to toughen up and drop his woe-is-me mantra. If he can't get over what happened here, how does he demonstrate to teammates that he is resilient; that he is someone they can trust when their world is crumbling? And how does he prove he can shut out everything around him on the field when he can shut nothing out now? More to the point, how does he prove he can beat San Diego without the help of referee Ed Hochuli?

Maybe he can't. Maybe we should face facts and realize that while he's no John Elway he may be no Jake Plummer, either.

This may be the best and most funniest thing I ever read. :D

Mile High Mania

03-17-2009, 07:59 PM

I can't recall the last time anyone talked much about Clark Judge... I'm guessing this article achieved his goal. Silly to compare the two.

Claysexual

03-18-2009, 12:22 PM

Aye, more fun from the Mange:

Quote:
Originally Posted by WolfpackGuy View Post
If McDaniels wanted Cassel so bad, why didn't he go to the damn Cheaps to begin with?

"Old No. 7" replies:

Because there's no one in your entire organization with the brain power to sit at Don Pioli's deal table and not get completely ass-raped.

Some of us were disappointed that we couldn't get Pioli and McDaniels as package deal. I can assure you that disappointment has long since faded.